"How could this be?" you're asking yourself. "How could this happen?" It's simple: both 25 and its lead single, "Hello," were released outside of the 2016 Grammys eligibility period. What does that mean? Allow me to explain...

In order to be eligible for the 2016 Grammys, music must have been released between Oct. 1, 2014 and Sept. 30, 2015. "Hello" dropped on Oct. 23, and 25 debuted on Nov. 20. Obviously, Adele missed the deadline. "BUT THIS ISN'T FAIR!" you're crying out to the heavens. OK, OK, calm down, pal. There's actually no reason to get upset: "Hello" and 25 will be eligible to compete at the 2017 Grammys. Phew. See? In reality, this is no big deal.

In fact, Taylor Swift was in a similar position last year: After the release of 1989 on Oct. 27, 2014 sent the nation into full-tilt Swiftie pandemonium, many fans were certain she'd dominate the 2015 Grammy nominations. But, of course, she didn't — 1989 missed the deadline (though its lead single, "Shake It Off," did make the cut). And just as 1989 will get its chance to shine at the 2016 Grammys (which will take place on Feb. 15, 2016), 25 will get its chance to shine at the 2017 Grammys. Don't worry, Adele will almost certainly get the awards recognition she deserves for 25 — we just have to wait a little bit longer for it to happen than we thought.

Billboard reports that the 2016 Grammy nominations in the four main categories (Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist) will be announced on Mon., Dec. 7 on CBS This Morning at roughly 8 a.m. ET. The remaining nominations will be revealed on Grammy.com shortly afterwards. Don't miss 'em!